Season 8
Twenty Castaways from across South Africa have been brought together for the chance to compete to be the 'Sole Survivor' on South African soil for the first time in the series' history.
Having spent the better part of a year in isolation under COVID-19 related lockdowns already, the Castaways were transported far from their homes and into true isolation on the Eastern Cape's beautiful Wild Coast, where they attempted to Outwit, Outplay and Outlast each other over 39 days for R1-million and the title.
Survivor South Africa: Immunity Island was filmed on the Wild Coast in the Eastern Cape.
Filmed in partnership with the Eastern Cape Development Corporation (ECDC), the Season 8 is produced by Afrokaans and hosted by Nico Panagio.
The Survivor format is represented internationally by Banijay Rights.
The Castaways
Amy Eliason
Age: 33
Occupation: Corporate Lawyer
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"I was at a braai and the advertisement for Survivor came on TV and with my red wine-stained lips and teeth I proclaimed, 'I can do that!'. I then proceeded to film my messy audition video, which somehow got me selected!"
Anela Majozi
Age: 25
Occupation: Math Educator and Rugby Coach
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"I'm simple yet also elaborate, deliberate and measured in my approach - and somehow also very careless at times".
Anesu Mbizvo
Age: 29
Occupation: Medical Doctor, Yoga Teacher and Small Business Owner
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"I am constantly searching for ways to grow and evolve and I wanted to enter Survivor so that I could find out who I would be when everything was stripped away and I was pushed to my limits".
Carla Gubb
Age: 29
Occupation: Corporate Sales Executive and Entrepreneur
From: Cape Town
Quote:
"The game is so different every season and every player is unique, which makes it impossible to predict what is going to happen, or how to play".
Francois "Chappies" Chapman
Age: 32
Occupation: Entrepreneur
From: Centurion
Quote:
"Swim upstream or don't swim at all," is his motto. Chappies says there's nothing he wouldn't do to win the game. "No hard feelings, just a hard game".
Dino Paulo
Age: 30
Occupation: Live Escape Game Owner
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"Being easy-going and highly adaptable should have its advantages".
Jason Brookstein
Age: 27
Occupation: Structural Engineering Draughtsman
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"My strategy going into the game is to spot vulnerability and use it to my advantage, while networking and having options to move in the game."
Kiran Naidoo
Age: 29
Occupation: Strategy Consultant
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"Playing 'for fun' is quite literally the most annoying concept in the world. I am exceptionally curious about the world around me and the motivations behind why people do what they do. Lastly, I'm super sarcastic and quick-witted, if you don't pick it up you may think I'm mean... shame".
Marisha du Plessis
Age: 35
Occupation: Guest House Owner
From: Tulbagh
Quote:
Marisha describes herself as "outgoing, strong and very driven" and hates being told she cannot or may not do something. Her strengths are "how good I am with people, relationships and the way I never give up."
Mike Laws
Age: 32
Occupation: Lawyer
From: Cape Town
Quote:
"I'm a corporate law geek with anxiety issues, strong opinions and a big heart. I entered this season to see if a neurotic, city-slicker, white-collar geek could crack it in the wild".
Nicole Wilmans
Age: 26
Occupation: Digital Marketing Manager
From: Somerset West
Quote:
"I think I was born to be on Survivor - I love the thrill of the game and how it challenges you in every possible way imaginable. I am a passionate and enthusiastic woman. A go-getter and always up for a challenge".
Noleen "Pinty" Nkanjeni
Age: 30
Occupation: Freelancer
From: Cape Town
Quote:
"I like to think of myself as a 'Janet of all trades' who knows a little more than just a little about many different things. Meeting new people and having meaningful, honest interactions is one of my favourite things".
Paul Cupido
Age: 29
Occupation: Aftercare Teacher
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"I'm someone who's always up for a challenge – spiritually, mentally and physically and someone who often puts others before himself. I entered Survivor SA because I wanted to be part of a social experiment, but also because I was craving a new adventure and a bit of excitement in my life."
Qieän Wang
Age: 35
Occupation: Fun-Employed
From: Cape Town
Quote:
"Expect some tears. I'm definitely not one who is afraid to show her vulnerability. Hopefully the viewers will recognise me for my kind, nurturing nature and not mistaking it for someone who is not aggressive".
Renier Louwrens
Age: 30
Occupation: Chemical Engineer
From: Secunda
Quote:
"I've been playing the hypothetical game in my head for the past five years, discussing it and breaking it down with my wife and having loads of fun doing so.
"My wife and I have watched every season of Survivor out there. It's my dream to be able to play the game I've grown so fond of over the past 20 years".
Santoni Engelbrecht
Age: 39
Occupation: Online Business Owner
From: Strand
Quote:
"I love the dynamics of the show and always wanted to enter. I'm such a 'non-Survivor-looking person' and I wanted to show people that anything is possible if you put your mind to it".
Shaun Wilson
Age: 40
Occupation: I.T. Entrepreneur
From: Cape Town
Quote:
"I'm a geek who has an affinity for adventure and the biggest soft spot for dogs. Lockdown hit and I perfected my baking skills, spending time with my dogs and improving my KD rate on Apex Legends".
Thoriso M-Afrika
Age: 36
Occupation: Marketing Officer
From: Uitenhage
Quote:
"I'm the eternal optimist, fiercely loyal and a colourful character who lives in my own world. I'll stand out as an anomaly on the show because I wouldn't be caught dead camping, am a creature of comfort and would probably die if I ever did something like this alone".
Tyson Zulu
Age: 24
Occupation: Creative Director and Entrepreneur
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"I'm a super creative, a jack of all trades and a perfectionist to a fault. I love animals more than people. 10/10 times I'll always speak my mind and do what I feel.
"I want to be a big player in the film and TV industry and learning, first-hand, from the biggest show in the country is a massive opportunity".
Wardah Hartley
Age: 39
Occupation: Yoga Instructor and Fitness Professional
From: Johannesburg
Quote:
"I officially celebrate four decades on the planet this year, and I have learnt plenty about myself and about how human beings behave.
"I wanted to put myself in an environment where I could put all of these valuable life lessons to the test – Survivor SA is my Masterclass".